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Fearing the Worst? Threat, Participation and Workplace Productivity

Author

Listed:
  • Chris Forde

    (Leeds University Business School)

  • Gary Slater

    (University of Bradford)

  • David A. Spencer

    (Leeds University Business School)

Abstract

This article investigates the impact of the threat of job loss and participation on productivity using data from the 1998 British Workplace Employee Relations Survey. Threat and participation have often been seen as alternative devices for motivation: the former based on coercion, the latter based on cooperation. The study examines whether there are any joint effects between the two. Specifically, does the impact of participation on workplace productivity vary according to the threat of job loss? The study finds little evidence of a direct effect of the threat of job loss on productivity, but strong support is found for the notion that worker participation can enhance productivity. This effect is found not to be affected by local unemployment but it is observed that the joint presence of participation and other ‘threat’ variables measuring the level of supervision do impact on productivity outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Chris Forde & Gary Slater & David A. Spencer, 2006. "Fearing the Worst? Threat, Participation and Workplace Productivity," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 27(3), pages 369-398, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:27:y:2006:i:3:p:369-398
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X06065961
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    Cited by:

    1. Jon K. Webber & Elliot Ser & Gregory W. Goussak, 2015. "Work Habits As Positive And Negative Influence On Workplace Productivity," Global Journal of Business Research, The Institute for Business and Finance Research, vol. 9(1), pages 39-48.
    2. Armin Pircher Verdorfer & Wolfgang G Weber & Christine Unterrainer & Sarah Seyr, 2013. "The relationship between organizational democracy and socio-moral climate: Exploring effects of the ethical context in organizations," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 34(3), pages 423-449, August.

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